Medical Minute: Stenosis Of The Carotid Artery

BOSTON (CBS) - An increasing number of people are being diagnosed with narrowing or stenosis of the carotid artery. Such narrowing can result in a decreased amount of blood going to the brain causing a variety of symptoms including a "mini" stroke.

[Audio https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/i/cbslocal/wp-content/uploads/sites/3859903/2011/01/january-7-2010-medical-minute.mp3|titles=Stenosis Of The Carotid Artery|artists=Dr. Murray Feingold]

For years the treatment of carotid artery stenosis was endarterectomy, surgically removing the plaque that is obstructing the carotid artery.

More recently, another procedure has been used to open the carotid called stenting.

A large study was recently done to determine the effectiveness of both procedures.

The conclusion was that endarterectomy is the treatment of choice, especially for older patients.

There are risks to both procedures. Both are associated with the risk of a stroke but the risk is higher in those who undergo stenting.

In younger patients stenting was as safe as endartrectomy.

What is important is that the diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis is made by your doctor because symptoms may not be present.